Lunch Break, August 4: Sendejo Off The PUP, Ready To Compete At Safety

Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo, who has spent all of training camp on the PUP list, was moved to the active roster Monday morning, making him eligible to practice and play in games. Pioneer Press’s Brian Murphy touched base with Sendejo about what it will take to prove his worth to the new coaching staff that hasn’t had much on-field time with the fourth year safety:

Sendejo, who is expected to be removed from the physically unable to perform list Monday, once again starts from zero. He is trying to prove his health and worth in another scheme implemented by another raft of coaches.

"That's the NFL," Sendejo said last week. "You have to prove yourself all the time regardless, because if you don't, someone else is going to take your job. As soon as you feel comfortable with yourself, you're not in the NFL anymore."

Sendejo had back surgery in May. He missed organized team activities, minicamp and any chance to impress first-year coach Mike Zimmer.

"All I've seen him do is walk around the building," Zimmer said. "I have zero template to work with. I think he can still make an impression. You've got to get into some of these games to do it."

Sendejo should receive his opportunity to put some practice and game film together for the new coaching staff starting today. The former Rice Owl, who started10 games in 2013, played well last season while the Vikings secondary suffered through injury problems.

Rookie third round selection defensive end Scott Crichton made sure one of the first things he took care of with his rookie contract was his family, who had been in need of a break. His father, who had been working in a warehouse, has since retired and his mother no longer works two jobs.

Viking Update’s Tim Yotter spoke with Scott Crichton about his family and his generosity:

“It’s just a feeling of relief. I was more proud of them instead of them being more proud of me,” he said after a training camp practice. “Their hard work kind of got me to where I am right now. I’m blessed to have those two as my parents.”

Crichton’s parents are from Western Samoa. They put in long and challenging hours of work to support Scott, his two brothers and one sister … and Scott’s grandfather before he died recently.

So when Scott had the opportunity to repay the favor to his father Lucky and mother Malama, he didn’t even bother going to the NFL advisory board for a draft grade to decide whether he should declare early or not. All he knew for sure is that his parents were working more than they should and he wanted to change that.

His father had been driving forklift in a warehouse despite having one leg amputated because of complications with his health. His mother had been working two jobs.

Crichton, who is battling for a rotational job along the Vikings revamped defensive line, should receive plenty of playing time throughout the 2014 preseason.

Quick Hitters

- For the first time in a long time, linebacker Michael Mauti is not rehabbing his knee. Viking Update’s John Holler profiles Mauti’s ‘new experience.’